Senior Designer, Innovation (Performance Footwear)

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity.  So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture - visit VF Careers or www.vfc.com.  

What will you do? 

A day in the life of a Senior Innovation Designer – Performance Footwear at VF looks a little like this. 

This role sits within our Innovation, Advanced Concepts, and Performance Footwear teams and supports global product creation efforts. You’ll work closely with Engineering, Materials, Sports Science, Product Creation, Testing, and Design partners. At its core, this position shapes the future of performance footwear—leading complex innovation projects that turn bold ideas into validated, athletic-driven solutions. This role reports to the VP of Innovation. 

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. 

• Lead multiphase innovation projects from early insights through validated concept hand-off to Product Creation teams. 

• Identify long term opportunities and help shape the multiyear innovation roadmap for performance footwear. 

• Drive early experimentation—forming hypotheses, designing tests, and validating performance claims. 

• Create original, high impact concepts across cushioning, traction, uppers, fit systems, and emerging technologies. 

• Transform athlete insights, biomechanics data, and material advancements into breakthrough performance solutions. 

• Build and direct the creation of advanced prototypes using 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, experimental materials, and hands-on methods. 

• Partner with engineering, materials, and sports science to evaluate functional performance and refine concepts. 
  • Lead cross functional teams and serve as the design voice for complex, multidisciplinary innovation initiatives. 
  • Mentor junior designers and elevate the team’s design thinking, prototyping skills, and technical rigor. 
  • Present concepts to executives, category leaders, and cross functional teams with clarity and compelling storytelling.  

What do you need to succeed? 

We all bring unique strengths to work and celebrate them every day. For this role, the foundation skills below are essential. While formal education in a related field is valuable, we are most interested in your 6–10+ years of experience in performance footwear, advanced concepts, or highly technical product creation. 

The foundation skills you will need in this position are: 

• Strong background in Industrial Design, Product Design, Engineering, Biomechanics, or a related field. 

• Proven experience leading innovation projects and delivering performance driven solutions in ambiguous environments.